How Can I Teach My Adult Cat to Be Kind to a Little Kitten?

You've heard the expression "fight like cats and dogs" but have you ever heard "fight like cats and cats?" Cats will fight each other when they are feeling threatened or scared. If you have two cats who are not getting along, you know that it can be a hassle to continuously have them separated, and your heart drops a little when you hear a small hiss down the hallway. But keep your head up, there is something you can do.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat treats
  • Cat brush
  • Cat toy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a person who is willing to help (and is not allergic to cats). Have her hold the kitten. Get your older cat and hold it by the collar. Have your friend put the kitten on the ground and make sure it is not too frightened. Keep petting it. With a firm grip, hold your other cat closer to the kitten, also on the ground. Allow them to sniff each other if you can, but keep petting the kitten. You may have to repeat this step for a few days until the older cat stops acting aggressively.

    • 2

      Give the cat a treat every time it is with the kitten and is not hostile. If your cat loves to be brushed, brush it. If it loves cat toys or cat nip, give it to him. Reward the adult cat for good behavior every time.

    • 3

      Punish your cat (gently) when it is hostile to the kitten. You may tap it on the nose or remove him immediately from the kitten's vicinity and lock him in a cat carrier. Whatever your punishment is, make sure it is humane, but also make sure your cat doesn't enjoy it.

    • 4

      Keep the cat and kitten together when you have the proper help. Eventually, by rewarding and punishing it to follow a certain behavior, your cat will gain a "learned behavior" which psychologically has proven to help in these scenarios.

    • 5

      Give the kitten treats as well. It's not easy to be constantly frightened by the older pet, so make sure it feels at home.